Sr HR Business Partner; HRBP

Overview

The Sr HR Business Partner (HRBP) serves as a strategic advisor and consultant to business leaders, aligning HR practices with organizational goals to drive performance, engagement, and growth. This role partners closely with leadership and employees to implement talent strategies, foster a high-performance culture, and ensure HR programs are effectively executed. The HRBP acts as a bridge between HR initiatives and the unique needs of the design-driven environment, supporting employee development, organizational effectiveness, and firm culture.

This position supports both our San Francisco and San Jose offices and requires regular travel between the two locations. The role has an in-office requirement of at least three days per week.

In this role you will focus in these areas:

• Collaborate with business leaders to understand organizational priorities and translate them into actionable HR strategies.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on workforce planning, organizational design, and talent development initiatives.
• Support the implementation of job architecture, competency frameworks, and career pathways developed by the Director of Talent Management.

• Provide guidance and coaching to managers on employee relations, performance management, and team development.
• Partner with leadership to foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing culture aligned with company values.
• Identify engagement trends and recommend initiatives to improve retention and employee satisfaction.

• Support the rollout and adoption of performance management processes that promote feedback and continuous improvement.
• Assist in identifying high-potential employees and facilitate development plans in partnership with Learning & Development.
• Monitor workforce metrics and provide insights to inform talent decisions.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition to support strategic hiring initiatives and workforce planning.
• Collaborate with Compensation & Benefits to ensure pay practices align with job architecture and market competitiveness.

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including employee relations, performance management, and talent development.
• Experience supporting professional services or design-driven environments preferred.
• HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) is a plus.
• Expert knowledge in California employment law.
• Strong business acumen and ability to align HR strategies with organizational objectives.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to influence and build relationships at all levels.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Analytical mindset with proficiency in leveraging HR data for decision-making.
• Proficiency with HR systems and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with performance and learning platforms preferred.

The pay range listed aligns to the geography of the office for which this position is posted. Actual compensation will be based upon work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Individuals in this role working more than 24 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in HGA’s robust benefit programs which include an annual bonus and success sharing bonus program, 401(k) guaranteed contribution, paid parental leave, medical, dental and life insurance plans as well as PTO and short- and long-term disability programs.

Salary Range: $143,100 - $185,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

HGA is a place where you can do your best work. We believe that enduring, impactful design results from deep insight into the people and passions that animate each unique environment. We value empathy, are fueled by curiosity, and embrace the hard work that leads to innovation. Equally important is our commitment to creating a culture of inclusivity and diversity where we encourage your originality, respect the need for flexibility and work‑life balance, and empower your desired career growth.

HGA is a national award‑winning interdisciplinary design firm rooted in architecture and engineering.

Learn more about us here.

Please submit resume for consideration.